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The British ministry of defence has agreed to provide pall-bearers at the funeral of army veteran Dennis Hutchings.
The 80 year old, from Cawsand in Cornwall, died in Belfast after contracting Covid-19 while he was in the city to face trial over a fatal shooting incident in Co Tyrone in 1974.
There were originally no plans for regimental pall-bearers at his funeral as the ministry does not provide them for retired service personnel unless there is a formal request.
However, veterans are entitled to a regimental trumpeter.
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It is understood that Mr Hutchings’s family lodged a formal request last Friday for members of his former regiment, the Life Guards, to attend.
A British army spokesman said on Tuesday: “Mr Hutchings served for many years with great dignity, diligence and courage. His passing is a personal tragedy for his family, regimental family and his friends, and we extend our sincere condolences to all that knew and cared for him.
“The army was formally approached to provide a bearer party for the funeral on Friday; this request was actioned in line with policy.
“As a mark of respect to Mr Hutchings his service and his family, the decision was made today by the army to support the request. His former regiment will provide a bearer party and trumpeter at his funeral.”
Mr Hutchings’s funeral will take place at St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth on Thursday, November 11th, which is also Remembrance Day in the UK.
Rolling Thunder UK motorbikes will accompany his coffin as it makes its way through the Devon city.
His family will later hold a private event in Cornwall.
They have said all are welcome to attend the service in Plymouth but have requested there is no political messaging.
Mr Hutchings’s death prompted questions by unionist politicians over the decision to prosecute him almost 50 years later.
Mr Hutchings denied charges of attempted murder and of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the death of John Pat Cunningham in Benburb in Co Tyrone in 1974.
Mr Cunningham, who was 27, was a vulnerable adult with learning difficulties who was afraid of soldiers. He was shot and killed as he ran away from a British army patrol.
Mr Hutchings’s case had become the focus of attention in recent years as a number of other prosecutions were announced against veterans over deaths which took place during Northern Ireland’s Troubles. – PA